Adjustable shelf

ABSTRACT

A partition system includes various accessories that may be associated with a wall or base element. The accessories include without limitation an adjustable shelf. The wall element may be curved or linear in various embodiments. The wall element may include an upstanding wall or a channel, either or both of which are engaged by one or more accessories.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/011,359, filed Aug. 27, 2013, which application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/693,489, filed Aug. 27, 2012, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a partition system, and in particular tovarious accessories that may be used therewith.

BACKGROUND

Partition systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.2012/0159869, entitled “Partition System,” the entirety of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference, have been developed to divideand define various workspaces. In some embodiments, the partition systemincludes a plurality of wall elements merging one into another. Some ofthe wall elements may be linear, while others may be curved. Thisvariation in shape may make it more difficult to accommodate and supportvarious furniture components and accessories thereon, including variousworksurfaces, backdrops, shelving and storage arrangements, power supplyand the like. In addition, some of the wall elements may be configuredwith one or more channels, which support the accessories. Often, suchchannels are capable of supporting only one furniture component oraccessory at a particular location, thereby limiting the utility andreconfigurability of the system. Thus, the need remains for variousaccessories that may be adapted for use with curved and linear wallelements, and which may be used in combination at a common location.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, one embodiment of an accessory includes a power striphaving a plurality of power modules disposed along a longitudinal axis.Each of the modules has a length defined along the longitudinal axis anda width defined transverse to the length. At least one flexible jointpivotally connects adjacent pairs of the power modules such that theadjacent pairs of power modules are pivotable relative to each otherabout an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Atleast one of the power modules includes an expansion component, which isadjustable such that the width of at least one power module is variable.In various aspects, the power strip is disposed in an elongated channelof a base structure. The channel may be curved or straight.

In another aspect, one embodiment of an adjustable shelf includes aplurality of elongated supports each having a mounting portion disposedadjacent one end of the elongated support and an opposite distal endportion. Each of the elongated supports includes an upper supportsurface. A plurality of flexible joints connect the mounting portionsand the distal end portions, wherein the plurality of elongated supportsmay be arranged in a linear or curved configuration.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture assembly includes abase having a channel with a bottom and opposite side walls defining awidth of the channel. A support bracket includes an upright portion anda base portion disposed in the channel. A backdrop is coupled to theupright portion, wherein the base portion of the support bracket and thebackdrop in combination have a thickness substantially equal to thewidth of the channel and engage the side walls of said channel such thatthe backdrop is removeably secured in the channel. In variousembodiments, the channel may be straight or curved, with the backdropalso being straight or curved.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of a furniture assembly includes abase having a wall with opposite sidewalls and an upper support surface.A claw defines a downwardly opening channel, which is received on thewall. A support member is coupled to the claw and extends laterally fromthe wall. A vertically adjustable leg supports the support member at alocation laterally spaced from the base. A worksurface is supported bysaid support member. In various embodiments, the wall may be linear orcurved.

In another aspect, a furniture assembly includes a base having a channelwith opposite sidewalls defining a width and an upwardly opening mouth.A first auxiliary furniture component and a second auxiliary furniturecomponent having an expansion device are disposed in the channel. Theexpansion device is adjustable such that a thickness of the first andsecond auxiliary furniture components in combination with the expansiondevice is substantially the same as the width of the channel, oralternatively, the thickness of the second auxiliary furniture componentalone in combination with the expansion device is substantially the sameas the width of the channel.

In yet another aspect, a furniture assembly includes a base defining aninterior space and having an upper surface. A support stand includes aweighted base portion and a pair of spaced apart uprights extendingupwardly from the weighted base portion. The weighted base portion and aportion of the uprights are disposed in the interior space of the basewith said uprights extending upwardly through the upper surface. A crossbar is secured to, and bridges between, the uprights. The cross bar isadapted to support a media display, and is vertically adjustable along alength of the uprights. The base may be linear or curved.

The various aspects and embodiments provide significant advantages overother partition systems. For example and without limitation, the powerstrip, shelving arrangement, backdrop support and worksurface supportmay be used with both linear and curved base structures or wallelements. In this way, the furniture components, or accessories, aremodular. In addition, the accessories may be used in combination at thesame location, for example with the power strip positioned in alignmentwith and occupying the same space as one or more of the backdrop,shelving, and/or worksurface. Alternatively, the power strip, by way ofthe expansion device, may be used independently in the same space.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of generalintroduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the followingclaims. The presently preferred embodiments, together with furtheradvantages, will be best understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with an adjustableshelf applied thereto.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with an adjustableshelf applied thereto.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with a curvedbackdrop applied thereto.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the curved backdrop.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with a straightbackdrop applied thereto.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a straight backdrop.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a curved wall element with a mediasupport stand applied thereto.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support stand shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a linear wall element with a mediasupport stand applied thereto.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support stand shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a curved wall assembly with aworksurface assembly supported thereon.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the worksurface assemblyshown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a linear wall assembly with aworksurface assembly supported thereon.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the worksurface assemblyshown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a linear wall element with a visualization board appliedthereto.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of wall elements and apair of connectors.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a power strip.

FIG. 18A is a side view of the power strip shown in FIG. 17, with theexpansion device shown in three different positions.

FIG. 18B is a front view of the power strip shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded perspective view of the power stripshown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the power strip disposed in a channel of awall element.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a partition assembly.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG. 7 takenalong line 22-22.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an adjustable shelf.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is an end view of the adjustable shelf shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the worksurface assembly shown in FIG.11 at different elevations with the support members at differenttelescoping positions.

FIG. 28 is an alternative embodiment of a power strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

General:

The term “longitudinal” as used herein is intended to indicate alengthwise direction, for example of a wall element, channel or wall.Similarly, the terms “front”, “side”, “back”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”,“upwardly” and “downwardly” as used herein are intended to indicate thevarious directions and portions of the wall element and furnitureaccessories coupled thereto as normally understood when viewed from theperspective of a user facing the wall element and interfacing with theaccessories. It should be understood that the terms “mounted,”“connected”, “coupled,” “supported by,” and variations thereof, refer totwo or more members or components that are joined, engaged or abutted,whether directly or indirectly, for example, by way of another componentor member, and further that the two or more members, or interveningmember(s) can be joined by being integrally formed, or by way of variousfastening devices, including for example and without limitation,mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, press fit, bent-over tabmembers, etc. The term “plurality” means two or more. The terms “curved”and “linear” refer to the shape or configuration of a particular elementor component in a plane view when being viewed from above, with “linear”being interchangeable with “straight.” It should be understood that theuse of numerical terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., as used hereindoes not refer to any particular sequence or order of components; forexample “first” and “second” auxiliary furniture components may refer toany sequence of such components, and is not limited to the first andsecond components of a particular configuration unless otherwisespecified.

Wall Elements:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 21, a partitionsystem 2 is configured with a plurality of wall elements 4, 6, 8, 10which may be arranged end-to-end in various configurations. The wallelements may be curved or linear elements 4, 10, or combinationsthereof, and may include various transition and corner elements 6, 8. Inone embodiment, the wall elements 4, 10 are configured as steppedelement, which defines a plurality of walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114,116, 118 arranged at different heights, and a plurality of channels 20,22, 24, 120, 122, 124 arranged at different heights. Each of the walls12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114, 116, 118 has opposite sidewalls 26, 28, 30,32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 defining awidth (WW) of the respective wall and an upper support surface 42, 44,46, 48, 142, 144, 146, 148. Likewise, each of the channels 20, 22, 24,120, 122, 124 has a bottom 50, 52, 54, 150, 152, 154 and oppositesidewalls 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 defininga width (CW) of the channel. Pairs of walls define the channelstherebetween, with the sidewalls of spaced apart walls corresponding tothe sidewalls of the channel formed therebetween. In one embodiment, thewall elements are configured with four walls and three channels,although it should be understood that more or less walls and channelsmay be used. In various embodiments, the heights HW1, HW2, HW3, and HW4of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114, 116, 118 are 42 inches, 35.5inches, 29.00 inches and 22.5 inches respectively in one embodiment, and41.625 inches, 35.312 inches, 29.00 inches and 22.69 inches respectivelyin another embodiment, while the height of the bottom 50, 52, 54, 150,152, 154 of the channels HC1, HC2 and HC3 are 31.16 inches, 24.85 inchesand 18.54 inches respectively, although other heights may be suitable.The walls, when configured with a worksurface component secured thereto,provide a worksurface at a counter height, a kitchen counter height, awork table height and a continental table height respectively. The depthof the channels (height of front wall to bottom of channel) may becalculated, and is about 4.5 inches in one embodiment. In addition, thewalls may have linear sides as shown, or may be tapered. The width (CW)of the channels 20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124 is 2.00 inches, and preferablybetween 1 and 10 inches, while the width (WW) of the walls 12, 14, 16,18, 112, 114, 116, 118 is also 2.00 inches, and preferably between 1 and10 inches. It should be understood that other heights and widths may besuitable. Preferably, the widths of the walls are the same such thatthey are suited to support similar components, but varying widths may beemployed. Likewise, the widths of the channels are the same to supportsimilarly shaped and dimensioned components, but the widths may vary asdeemed appropriate.

The wall elements 4, 6, 8, 10 have opposite end surfaces 56, 58, 156,158, which are abutted during assembly. Each wall element, otherwisereferred to as a furniture “base,” may be made of EPP plastic. The wallelements may be configured with an interior space 21 formed therein, forexample along a bottom of the wall element as shown in FIG. 22.Referring to FIG. 16, adjacent wall elements may be joined by one ormore connector elements 60. The connector elements are molded plastic inone embodiment, and include a pair of downwardly extending projections62 that are received in openings 64 formed in the adjacent wallelements. The connector further includes an upwardly extending grippableportion 66, or handle, which may be grasped by a user to facilitateinstallation and extraction of the connector. The connector furtherincludes a septum 68 extending downwardly between the projections. Theseptum helps to locate the connector relative to the wall elements. Theseptum keeps the connector from twisting relative to the wall elements.The septum may be omitted in various embodiments. In one embodiment, apair of connectors 60 joins adjacent wall elements in the uppermost andlowermost channels 20, 24, 120, 124, although it should be understoodthat a connector may also be installed in an intermediate, or middlechannel.

Adjustable Shelf:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 23-26, an adjustable shelf 70 is shown asincluding a plurality of elongated supports 72, each having an uppersupport surface 82. Each support 72 includes a mounting portion 74formed at one end thereof and an opposite distal end portion 76. In oneembodiment, the mounting portion 74 is configured as a claw having abase and opposing arms 80 defining a downwardly opening channel 81. Thewidth of the channel 81 is sized to receive one of the walls 12, 14, 16,18, 11, 114, 116, 118 with a snug fit. The distal end 76 is cantileveredaway from the wall on which the shelf is mounted. The mounting portionand distal portion of each support are joined along an intermediatelocation between the mounting end and the distal free end with aflexible joint 78. Each mounting portion, except a pair of bookendmounting portions 374, are joined to a pair of distal end portions witha pair of flexible joints, and conversely, each distal end portion isjoined to a pair of mounting portions with a pair of flexible joints.The mounting portions 374 are connected to a single distal end portion76 via a flexible joint 78.

In one embodiment, the flexible joint 78 is configured as a flexiblestrip that allows relative rotation about a vertical axis between thesupports, with the either the mounting portions 74 or the distal endportions 76 being moved away from each other, depending on whether theadjacent wall element is curved concavely or convexly, but with thestrip resisting bending or flexing about a vertical axis. In this way,the supports 72 may configured with their mounting portions forming alinear channel (FIG. 1) for engagement with a linear wall, or with themounting portions forming a curved channel (FIG. 2) for engagement witha curved wall. In the latter configuration, the adjustable shelf forms asegment about a virtual center spaced from the shelf. The shelf may bemade of ABS plastic.

Backdrop:

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, a backdrop 84, 184 includes a screen element 86,186 and at least one support bracket 88, and preferably a plurality ofsupport brackets. The term “backdrop” refers to any type of screen ordisplay, whether vertically self-supporting or supported by an internalor external frame. The backdrop may be made of wood, metal, plastic(e.g. acrylic), fiberglass, or other known and suitable materials, orcombinations thereof, and may be covered (e.g., fabric) or uncovered. Inone embodiment the backdrop is configured with an erasable whiteboardsurface. The backdrop may function as a display surface for a projectedimage, whether from the front or back thereof. The backdrop may beplanar (linear) 86 or curved 186.

Each support bracket 88 includes a base portion 90 and an uprightportion 92. The base portion is configured as a U-shape, with a bottom94 and a pair of upstanding leg portions 96, one of which may beelongated to form the upright portion 92. The backdrop is secured to theone or more support brackets with one or more fasteners. Alternatively,the backdrop may be secured to the support with adhesive, or interfaceby way of a groove or slit formed in the support. The backdrop 84, 184may be secured to the upright 92 on an interior side above the bottom 94of the base portion, or on an exterior side. In the latterconfiguration, the thickness of the support bracket (Ts) in combinationwith the thickness of the backdrop (Tbd) is substantially equal to thewidth (CW) of the channel, while in the first configuration, Ts issubstantially equal to the width (CW) of the channel. The supportbrackets have a sufficiently small width (SW), in combination with therelatively large curvature of the channels 120, 122, 124, e.g., about 77inches in one embodiment, enabling one configuration of support bracketto be used with both the linear and curved wall elements.

Referring to FIG. 15, an alternative backdrop 121, including for exampleopposite erasable marker and tackable surfaces 123, 125, simply rests inthe channel.

Support Stand:

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, a support stand 200 includes a weighted baseportion 202, 302 and a pair of upstanding upright portions 204 extendingupwardly from the base portion. The weight base portion includes in oneembodiment a plurality of leveling feet 206 secured to a pair ofinterconnected ballast blocks 208, 308. The leveling feet are configuredas independently adjustable leveling glides. Each ballast block includesa pair of handles 210, which may be gripped for moving the base portion.The ballast blocks 208, 308 may be filled with water, shot, or otherappropriate and know ballast materials. The ballast5 blocks may befilled on site so as to facilitate handling and shipping betweenlocations. The ballast blocks are joined by a bridge element 212, whichincludes a leveling bubble 214 visible to an installer. The installermay adjust the leveling glides 206 using the bubble to achieve asubstantially level assembly. The base portion 202, 302 and a lowerportion of the uprights 204 are covered by a wall element 4, 10, whichhas an interior cavity shaped to receive the base portion and uprights.The uprights extend upwardly through an upper surface of the wallelement, or base 4, 10, whether through a bottom of a channel as shownin FIGS. 7 and 9, or through a wall. The base may be curved 302 (FIG. 8)or linear 202 (FIG. 10) so as to be accommodated by a curved (FIG. 7) orlinear (FIG. 9) wall element 10, 4. The base portion may be made ofsteel.

A cross bar 216 is secured to and bridges between the uprights 204. Thecross bar is vertically adjustable along the uprights. For example, inone embodiment, a pair of locking clamps 218 are coupled to oppositeends of the cross bar. The locking clamps may be actuated between anunlocked and locked configuration, with a locking element acting as abrake providing friction between the clamp 218 and upright 204 to holdit in place. The upright may be configure with a plurality ofcircumferential grooves 220. The cross bar is configured with aconnector arrangement 222 configured to interface with a display 224,such as a display monitor, TV, screen or other media interface. Forexample, in one embodiment, the cross bar is configured with an array ofopenings 222 arranged and shaped to mate with fasteners securing one ormore displays thereto.

Worksurface Assembly:

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, a worksurface assembly 230 is shown asincluding a pair of claws 232 having a base 234 and opposing arms 236defining a downwardly opening channel 238, which is shaped andconfigured to engage a wall 12, 14, 16, 18, 112, 114, 116, 118. Eachclaw includes an arm 240 and mounting portion 242. In one embodiment,the mounting portion is configured as an insert portion shaped and sizedto be slidably received in an elongated support member 244, configuredin one embodiment as a tube. In another embodiment, the mounting portionis configured as a socket shaped to receive an end portion of thesupport member. As shown in FIG. 27, the mounting portion may betelescopically adjusted relative to the support member so as to adjustthe location of the claw 232 relative to the support members. In oneembodiment, the mounting portion is releasably secured to the supportmember, for example with a detent 246 and/or actuator or trigger 247.The user actuates the trigger 247 to release the mounting portion sothat it can be extended or retracted to the appropriate length andposition. In other embodiments the mounting portion is coupled to thesupport member with a friction fit, fasteners, adhesives, welding orcombinations thereof, or is integrally formed therewith.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, a pair of supportmembers extend radially and laterally from the wall, and are angledrelative to each other at an angle of a (e.g., 137.4 degrees), such thatthe channels of the claws are aligned with the underlying wall 114.Distal ends of the support members are coupled to a housing 248, forexample by way of a spline, insert/socket interface, fasteners, welding,etc. The housing includes a coupling element, configured in oneembodiment as a semicircular groove, with a mouth opening to one sidethereof. The support members 244 may be arranged and angularly spacedsuch that the claws engage a contiguous walls on adjacent curved wallelements 10 (FIG. 11), or engage a curved wall on a single curved wallelement 10.

A vertically adjustable leg 260 includes a base 262, a lower supporttube 264 and an upper telescoping tube 266. A latch member 268 engagesand secures the upper tube in a plurality of vertical positions. Theupper end of the upper tube is configured with a mounting portion 270configured to be engaged by the coupling element 250 of the housing. Forexample, in one embodiment, the mounting portion 270 includes a circularflange, which is dimensioned to be received through the mouth and intothe groove so to provide a quick connector. In an alternativeembodiment, the upper leg is configured with a groove and the couplingelement is configured with a circular flange. The interface of the upperleg and coupling element may include a snap feature to secure the leg tothe socket of the mounting portion.

A worksurface 280 is disposed on the support members and may be securedthereto with a plurality of fasteners. The worksurface may be configuredin various different shapes including a sector or pie shape, with a rearcurved edge 284 having substantially the same radius as the underlyingwall 114. A bumper edge may be provided around the periphery of theworksurface. The worksurface may include an opening 282 therethroughwhich allows the user to grasp and lift the worksurface. At the sametime, the opening may function as a raceway for various cords and thelike to pass through the worksurface. In one embodiment, the opening ispositioned proximate the center of gravity of the worksurface configuredwith a pair of support members and a coupling housing. The worksurfaceassembly is extremely portable and may be quickly and easily moved anddeployed by one person.

The leg 260 may be vertically adjusted such that the worksurface 280 maybe supported by any one of the plurality of the walls 112, 114, 116,118, preferably with the worksurface in a substantially horizontalorientation. Moreover, the interface between the mounting portion 242and the support member 244 may be telescoping such that the leg 260 mayremain stationary even as the worksurface is supported by another wall.Alternatively, the leg is moved to accommodate the interface with thebase.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a worksurface assembly 330 includes aworksurface 288 having a substantially rectangular shape, with thesupport members being substantially parallel and with the channels ofthe claws being aligned so as to engage a linear wall 12, 14, 16, 18.

Power Strip:

Referring to FIGS. 17-20 and 28, a power strip 400, 600 is shown asincluding a plurality of power modules 402 disposed along a longitudinalaxis 404. Each module has a width (t). The modules are joined byflexible joints 406 which provide for relative rotation between adjacentmodule about at least one axes 408. In one embodiment, the joint isconfigured as a bridge element having a hub portion 410 with a centralthrough opening 412 and a pair end collars 414 or flanges. The hubportion 410 is received through an opening 416 or socket formed in anend wall 418 of the module, with the collar 414 trapped inside a modulehousing 420. In one embodiment, the bridge element may be made of aflexible, elastomeric material. Alternatively, due to the capturedconfiguration and relative dimensions of the collars, hub and socket,adjacent modules may be permitted to rotate relative to each other aboutan axis 408 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 404. Inaddition, adjacent modules may rotate (in either rotational direction)relative to each other about the longitudinal axis 404. One or morepower cords 432 is coupled to an end module, with various electricalconduits extending through the modules and bridges to provide powerand/or data to the modules.

Each module housing includes a shell 424 and an outlet interface 422.The outlet interface 422 may equipped with a standard power outlet,including for example a HEYCO® Preassembled Cordset Component (FemaleBridge—NEMA 5-15R), or one or more USB charging outlets (shown asthree). The shell 424 and interface 422 each include a recess 416 thatdefine the socket for the bridge when assembled. In this way, the bridgeelements may be installed and captured by way of the interface beingcoupled to the shell, for example by way of a snap-fit.

At least one shell 424, and preferably each of the shells, includes anexpansion component or device 440, which may be adjusted to vary thewidth (otherwise referred to as the thickness) of the power module. Inone embodiment, the expansion device is configured as a biasing member,formed by a relative stiff and immobile downwardly extending leg 426 anda cantilevered spring portion 428, configured in one embodiment as anangled leg forming an angle β relative to the leg and an upstandingengagement portion 430 lying parallel to the leg. The engagement portiondefines an engagement surface 432. The biasing member may be biasedinwardly to adjust the relative width or thickness of the power module(see, e.g., t, t1, t2 and t3; FIG. 18).

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 28, the module housing need not beuniform size, but may be configured to support various configurations ofoutlets, for example having USB ports 431 arranged side to side. A frontportion of the housing is chamfered so as to provide space for theexpansion component.

In operation, the power strip 400 may be disposed in either a curved orlinear channel 20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124, with the engagement surface432 of the expansion member engaging one side wall 28, 30, 32, 34, 36,38, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 of the channel and biasing the powerstrip against an opposite side wall. The bridge member allows the userto manipulate the power strip to a curved configuration for disposal inthe curved channel 120, 122, 124. The power cord may run along thechannel, or may be routed through one or more internal raceways in thebase.

Assembly:

It should be understood that the term “auxiliary furniture component”refers to any component other than the base or wall element, andincludes one or more of the accessories disclosed described herein,including without limitation the power strip, adjustable shelf,backdrop, support stand and worksurface assembly, including the claws.As shown in FIGS. 1, 11 and 18, the various auxiliary furniturecomponents may be co-located at the same location on the base. Forexample, the power strip 400 may be installed alone in a channel, beinstalled in the same channel in front of a backdrop (FIG. 11) or behindan adjustable shelf (FIG. 1) or worksurface assembly (FIG. 11), or beinstalled in the same channel in front of a backdrop and in back ofeither an adjustable shelf or worksurface assembly (FIG. 11). In thefirst instance, and referring to FIG. 18, the expansion device iscompressed to vary the width of the module housing, for example theexpansion device 440 may be compressed from an uncompressed thickness(t) a first predetermined amount (d1) so as to maintain a snug fit ofthe power strip, having thickness t1, in the channel.

In a second configuration, wherein two auxiliary components occupy thesame channel space, the expansion device 440 is compressed a secondpredetermined amount (d2) giving the power strip a width or thicknesst2, or the expansion device 440 may be compressed different secondpredetermined amounts d2′ or d2″ depending on the relative thickness ofthe second auxiliary furniture component (shelf or worksurface claw v.backdrop), such that the thickness of the two auxiliary furniturecomponents in combination is substantially the same as the channel widthCW. In one embodiment, the expansion device 440 biases the firstauxiliary furniture component (e.g., the power strip) against one sidewall of the channel and against the second auxiliary furniturecomponent.

In a third configuration, where at least three auxiliary componentsoccupy the same channel space, the expansion device 440 is compressed athird predetermined amount (d3) giving the power strip a width orthickness t3, such that the power strip is snugly secured in thechannel, with the thickness of the three auxiliary furniture componentsin combination being substantially the same as the channel width CW. Itshould be understood that t>t1>t2>t3. In this embodiment, the firstauxiliary furniture component would be biased between the second andthird auxiliary furniture components, although it should be understoodthat the second and third auxiliary furniture components may be disposedon one side, with the first auxiliary furniture component engaging aside wall of the channel. It should be understood that auxiliaryfurniture components other than the power strip may be configured withone or more expansion devices, including without limitation the backdropassembly, the shelf assembly, the worksurface assembly, a lightingassembly disposed in the channel, or combinations thereof.

As noted above, the worksurface may be supported by any one of theplurality of the walls 112, 114, 116, 118, preferably with theworksurface in a substantially horizontal orientation, with the supportleg 260 being vertically adjusted, but remaining in the same location.Instead, the mounting portion 242 may be extended or retracted relativeto the support member 244 such that the claws are properly positioned toengage the corresponding wall for a particular selected height. Theworksurface may be reconfigured by actuating the three adjustmentdevices, one on the leg and two on the claws.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoingdetailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limitingand that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof,which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable shelf comprising: a plurality ofmounting portions disposed adjacent a first end and a plurality ofdistal end portions adjacent a second end opposite said first end, saidplurality of mounting portions and distal end portions defining an uppersupport surface; and a plurality of flexible joints connecting saidmounting portions and said distal end portions a plurality of firstslots separating said mounting portions and having an open end proximatesaid mounting portions; a plurality of second slots separating saiddistal end portions and having an open end proximate said distal endportions, wherein said second slots are offset from said first slots;wherein each mounting portion comprises a claw defining a downwardopening channel configured to receive a wall having an upper surface;and wherein said plurality of mounting portions and distal end portionscan be arranged in a linear configuration or a curved configuration on aconcave surface.
 2. The adjustable shelf of claim 1 wherein each of saidflexible joints comprises a strip bendable about an axis orthogonal to aplane defined by said support surface.
 3. The adjustable shelf of claim1 wherein adjacent ones of said distal end portions are moveable towardor away from each other, and adjacent ones of said mounting portions aremoveable away from or toward each other respectively when said elongatedsupports are arranged in said curved configuration.
 4. The adjustableshelf of claim 1 wherein said elongated supports are biased toward saidlinear configuration.
 5. The adjustable shelf claim 1 wherein saidchannels of said claws form a curved channel when said elongatedsupports are in said curved configuration.
 6. The adjustable shelf ofclaim 1 wherein said channels of said claws form a linear channel whensaid elongated supports are in said linear configuration.
 7. Theadjustable shelf of claim 1 wherein said plurality mounting portions anddistal end portions can be arranged in a second curved configuration ona convex surface.
 8. An adjustable shelf comprising: a plurality ofelongated mounting portions disposed adjacent a first end and aplurality of elongated distal end portions adjacent a second endopposite said first end, said plurality of mounting portions and distalend portions defining an upper support surface; a plurality of flexiblejoints connecting said mounting portions and said distal end portions; aplurality of first slots separating said mounting portions and having anopen end proximate said mounting portions; a plurality of second slotsseparating said distal end portions and having an open end proximatesaid distal end portions, wherein said second slots are offset from saidfirst slots; and wherein each mounting portion comprises a claw defininga downward opening channel configured to receive a wall having an uppersurface.
 9. The adjustable shelf of claim 8 wherein said upper supportsurface can be arranged in a linear configuration or a curvedconfiguration.
 10. The adjustable shelf of claim 8 wherein at least oneof the plurality of elongated mounting portions is joined to a pair ofsaid plurality of elongated distal end portions.
 11. The adjustableshelf of claim 8, wherein the claw includes opposing arms extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the upper support surface.
 12. The aduseable shelf of claim 8, further comprising a bookend mounting portionconnected to one of the plurality of elongated mounting portions. 13.The adjustable shelf of claim 8 wherein said upper support surface canbe arranged in a linear configuration, a curved configuration on aconcave surface, or a curved configuration on a convex surface.
 14. Theadjustable shelf of claim 8 wherein and second slots includes a firstportion having a first width and a second portion having a second widthless than said first width in an un-stretched position.
 15. Theadjustable shelf of claim 8 wherein each of said plurality of first andsecond slots includes a rounded closed end.
 16. An adjustable shelfcomprising: a plurality of elongated mounting portions disposed adjacenta first end and a plurality of elongated distal end portions adjacent asecond end opposite said first end, said plurality of mounting portionsand distal end portions defining an upper support surface; a pluralityof flexible joints connecting said mounting portions and said distal endportions; a plurality of first slots separating said mounting portionsand having an open end proximate said mounting portions; a plurality ofsecond slots separating said distal end portions and having an open endproximate said distal end portions, wherein said second slots are offsetfrom said first slots; and wherein each mounting portion comprises aclaw defining a downwardly opening channel configured to receive a wallhaving an upper surface oriented parallel to the upper support surface,said channel extending perpendicular to said elongated mounting portionsand said upper support surface.
 17. The adjustable shelf of claim 16wherein said channel is defined by a first arm extending perpendicularfrom a first mounting portion and a second arm extending perpendicularfrom said first mounting portion.
 18. The adjustable shelf of claim 16wherein said upper support surface can be arranged in a linearconfiguration or a curved configuration and said channel forms a curvedchannel when said upper support surface is in said curved configuration.